James E. Graves

James "Jim" Edward Graves, age 95, passed away peacefully at his home in McLean, VA on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Born November 17, 1930, in Lynchburg, VA, to Lillie Mae Sandifer Scott. "Jim" graduated from Dunbar High School in Lynchburg and received a B.S. in Political Science from Howard University in 1953. After college, he served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, flying KC-135 Stratotankers with the Strategic Air Command, and completed 20 years of service between active duty and the reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

"Jim" joined IBM in 1967, Office Products Division, in Syracuse NY. He was a top-performing salesperson and was consistently named to IBM's 100 Percent Club. Later, IBM relocated him to the Washington, D.C. area, where he served as a National Marketing Representative, leading nationwide sales efforts focused on U.S. Air Force accounts. He retired from IBM in 1991.

"Jim" is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Margaret Ann; daughter, Lily; and son, James (Jimmy).

A funeral service will be held Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 2 pm at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA. Reception follows. He will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to First Baptist Church Chesterbrook Building Fund, McLean, VA would be greatly appreciated. To donate: https://giv.li/mo9zhv.